PUC rejects Verizon request for delay

When Verizon was caught overheading fiber optic lines without permission in the Highway 395 Scenic corridor, the Public Utilities Commission punished them by requiring that Verizon install high speed internet service in Crowley Lake and Swall Meadows. Then, Verizon failed to meet the deadline. Now, the PUC says they do not accept Verizon’s request for more time and they may be subject to penalties.

In a letter to Verizon, Public Utilities Commission Executive Director Paul Clanon wrote that he denies Verizon’s request for more time to finish the Crowley-Swall project which was due by January 28th. Mr. Clanon said three things influenced his decision. Verizon’s failure to provide more information on why they wanted more time was one factor. Secondly, Clanon said, in a December 10th report, Verizon failed to mention they wanted more time beyond the January 28th deadline. Finally, Clanon wrote, the Mono Supervisors and local residents sent letters opposing the extension.

Wrote Clanon, “Given the lack of information explaining the project delay, coupled with local opposition to Verizon’s extension request, I hereby deny the request.” He said Verizon is in violation of two PUC resolutions and may be subject to penalties. The PUC Director also says that Verizon should push ahead to provide broadband service to Crowley and Swall.

The Mono Supervisors had opposed Verizon’s request for more time and had asked that the penalty for the communication company should be internet service for Paradise and expanded cell phone service for Mammoth Lakes.

About Benett Kessler

Always interested in writing, Benett was the editor of her high school paper, proceeded to the University of Chicago and then out West where she and John Heston formed Eastern Sierra News Service in Inyo County. They fed film to KNXT in Los Angeles and co-wrote and produced the first daily radio news in the Eastern Sierra. Their work ranged from a published news magazine to the first television newscast. They continued to provide videotaped news to KABC and other news outlets. After a seat on the Mammoth Times board and work as newswriter, Benett formed her own company, Sierra Broadcasters and launched an FM radio station, now KSRW and a broadcast television station, KSRW-TV33. The latest addition - Sierrawave.net. Her company motto: Comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.

4 Responses to PUC rejects Verizon request for delay

If the Verizon ads on your radio station are to be believed, Verizon has just now upgraded wireless phone service in both Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, ahead of complying with the PUC orders to offer broadband service to Crowley Lake and Swall Meadows by early last week. Verizon appears to have prioritized that work in a show of contempt for the PUC orders. What else do they plan to do ahead lighting up Crowley and Swall? And when will the overdue service be available?

I’d like to know when they will provide consistent service to Starlite, without the required use of boosters or other after-market devices. Currently, we are unable to receive cell service at our home, as we do not have these additional items. What’s the problem here?

I would like to know why Suddenlink (or previous operators) only serves a very small portion of Crowley Lake? When the contract was signed with the County why weren’t they required to serve all of Crowley and not just the easy spots?